Kenyan worker writing a budget while checking Jielewe app on phone.

M-Pesa Loans, Fuliza, and Debt: How to Break Free and Regain Control

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For many Kenyans, M-Pesa is more than just a mobile wallet—it’s a lifeline. From buying groceries to paying bills, M-Pesa has made money more accessible than ever. But with features like Fuliza, M-Shwari, and other M-Pesa loans, millions of people have slipped into a cycle of debt that feels impossible to escape.

The truth is, these loans are convenient, but without control, they can quickly drain your income. The good news? You can break free, regain control, and build a debt-free future. Let’s explore how.

The Reality of M-Pesa Loans in Kenya

Safaricom’s Fuliza and other M-Pesa-linked loans (like KCB-M-Pesa and M-Shwari) were designed to help in emergencies. But here’s the problem:

  • High Interest Rates: Fuliza charges up to 1.16% daily.
  • Hidden Costs: Transaction fees and overdraft charges eat into income.
  • Debt Trap: Many Kenyans borrow today to pay back yesterday’s loan.

👉 According to reports, over 20 million Kenyans are actively using Fuliza—proof that the debt cycle is widespread.

Signs You’re Trapped in the Fuliza Cycle

  1. You borrow Fuliza immediately after your salary or income hits.
  2. You’re paying fees daily but never reducing the loan balance.
  3. You rely on Fuliza or M-Shwari for daily expenses (food, transport, airtime).
  4. You avoid checking M-Pesa messages because of constant deductions.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The first step is awareness. The second step is action.

How to Break Free from M-Pesa Debt

Here’s a step-by-step strategy that actually works:

1. Stop Relying on Fuliza for Daily Expenses

Fuliza should be for emergencies, not routine spending. If you’re using it for transport or lunch daily, you’re sinking deeper.

2. Track Your Spending with Jielewe

The biggest problem isn’t just borrowing—it’s not knowing where your money goes.
With Jielewe, you can:

  • See exactly how much of your income goes into loan repayments and Fuliza fees.
  • Categorize spending into food, bills, entertainment, etc.
  • Create a realistic budget that leaves room for savings and debt repayment.

3. Prioritize Clearing Debt

  • Start with the smallest loans first (Fuliza, then M-Shwari, then bigger ones).
  • Allocate extra cash towards repayment instead of new borrowing.
  • Use Jielewe’s goal-tracking feature to monitor your debt repayment progress.

4. Replace Fuliza with a Savings Cushion

Once you pay off debt, direct the same money into an emergency fund. Even Ksh 50 a day builds up.
That way, when emergencies come, you spend your own money—not borrowed cash.

Real-Life Example

Take Brian, a student in Nairobi. He was stuck in the Fuliza cycle, borrowing Ksh 300–500 daily. With Jielewe, he realized he spent over Ksh 4,000 a month on Fuliza fees alone!

By budgeting transport, food, and airtime separately on Jielewe, he cut unnecessary borrowing. Within three months, he was Fuliza-free—and had saved Ksh 6,000.

Take Control of Your Money with Jielewe

Debt doesn’t have to define you. With the right tools, you can regain financial control and break free from Fuliza dependency.

👉 Register with Jielewe today to track your income, expenses, and debt repayments.
👉 Build clarity. Build freedom. Build your future.

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